1. Spark! Share Your Story: McKinnon P.S. & Ruth Thompson Middle School 2013 Health Expo 2013 Health Expo

2. Project Overview Health and Wellness Expo to encourage parents to encourage a healthy family life Mental health, nutrition, active living, relaxation and community resources Expo represented the culmination of family-centred activities taking place at both schools throughout the year Overall objectives: partnership between schools and parent councils and a year that engaged, educated and inspired parents to get involved and get healthy Welcoming atmosphere – reduce barriers to participation

3. Promotional Materials Flyers, posters, web link with local councillor, roadside signs Syner-voice, emails Goal was to reach as many families in the community in as many ways possible We are everyone’s school and every family is welcome Good information that can help your child succeed at school

4. Student Success By encouraging health family life it encourages better parent involvement and increased student success at school Student participation – drumming, ambassadors Healthy family life was an ongoing focus at both schools as was mental health Family nights at each respective school – ie, Yoga night, badminton night, family game night Make the schools a welcoming place for all families

5. Budget Two PRO grants: 2 @ $1,000 each = $2,000 budget Main expenses : printing, honorariums Partnership, partnership, partnership –Two school parent councils = 1 great idea –Sue McFadden – Ward 10 – web, prizes, road sign –West Credit S..S – catering –Schools – student drumming, ambassadors –Settlement worker –Region of Peel Health –City of Mississauga – parks/rec –Loblaws - nutritionist

6. Impact Feedback via survey Very positive response 100 attendees/53 returned surveys 95% very impressed and would attend again 100% felt welcomed and engaged Anecdotal - Good committee turn out for meetings and at event, spirit of partnership, school family Parents felt info provided was useful – take away info to help families new to Mississauga/Canada Language barrier

7. Key learning Partnerships work – we are better together People will come if you provide relevant info and plenty of lead time If you want a good school where kids are successful parents need to get involved in appropriate areas Making people feel welcome goes a long way Plans to expand next year to 3+ schools